Grace is itching to get the drop on title rivals with win over Bohemians

SHAMROCK ROVERS have not been top of the table - at the end of a match night - since they won the league title in 2023.

- BY PAUL O'HEHIR

But they will reach the summit if they beat arch rivals Bohemians in Tallaght this afternoon, even if Drogheda United or St Pat's could leapfrog them a few hours later.

And Lee Grace would take that, as he feels the Hoops would strike a psychological blow on the rest of the Premier Division by signalling their title intentions.

Grace thought he had sent Rovers top on Friday night, when his 87th-minute bullet header put Stephen Bradley's men 2-1 up against St Pat's at Richmond Park.

But Saints skipper Joe Redmond replied with one of his own in injury-time to snatch a precious point and leave Drogheda in top spot, rather than Rovers.

Facing fierce enemies Bohemians today, Grace admitted it has been too long since Rovers were top of the Premier Division.

"Our game is that bit earlier," he said. "If we do the business and get the three points then we'll go top and put the pressure on the chasers.

"But there's a long way to go.